The Request was sent by Mr. Peter Usher, on behalf of the Njumbi Road Residents' Association (NRRA).

Case Description

​The Project: The Project aims to: (i) enhance the policy, institutional and regulatory environment for sector development, including private sector participation; (ii) support efficiency expansion of power generation capacity to meet the economy’s projected supply deficits; and (iii) increase access to electricity in urban and peri-urban areas while improving the efficiency, reliability and quality of service to customers. The Project received additional financing on April 2, 2009.

The Request: The Requesters' concerns related to the construction of an electric power sub~station located in Chalbi Drive, Bernard Estate, Lavington, Nairobi. This sub-station is being constructed by Kenya Power and Lighting Company's (KPLC) as part of the Project. The Requesters stated that they consider "the development to be illegal, inappropriate, environmentally unsound and poses a danger to people living near the development."

Policies and Procedures raised in Request:

- OMS 2.20 Project Appraisal

- OP/BP 4.01 Environmetal Assessment

- OP/BP 13.05 Project Supervision

The Recommendation: The Panel noted that the main concern of the Requesters is the legitimacy of the process that led to the siting and construction of the substation in their community, and its potential impacts. The solution they desire is the removal of the substation and consideration of alternative sites. The Panel noted that the issue of conformity with national laws and regulations of the process leading up to the siting and construction of the Lavington substation is outside the purview of the Panel and is subject to the ongoing NET process. The Panel noted that Management has recognized certain shortcomings in relation to the process that led to the siting and construction of the substation. The Panel also noted that Management has made a number of commitments and recommended further actions to address some of the potential impacts of the substation. Considering the above, the Panel did not recommend an investigation.